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Invitation Etiquette
By : Catherine Torres
Invitations tell guests important information for your wedding: location, date, time, registry details, and anything else you want to convey. The basics are easy, but what if you have something more delicate to convey, such as no children at the ceremony or dealing with plus ones. We did some research to answer your trickiest invitation etiquette concerns.
Question: Kids are great, I just don’t want them running around during my elegant wedding. How do I write that in the invitations so no one gets offended? Answer: The most straightforward way to handle this situation is by addressing the invite’s envelope with the names of the adults who are invited. You can include an additional inner envelope to further clarify the invitees, or write in the guest names on the RSVP card so there’s no confusion. Incidentally, this is the best way to allow or discourage plus ones.
so there’s no confusion. Incidentally, this is the best way to allow or discourage plus ones. Some couples will also include a “no kids” note on their wedding website, written in a fun manner: “Your kids are awesome, but we all deserve some adult time. So, we ask you leave anyone under 16 years old at home.”
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Question: When should I send save the dates and wedding invites?
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Answer: It depends on your guests and how many of them have to travel. if you’re having a destination wedding, sending save the dates six month to a year in advance is a good idea.
Although, remember that save the dates are completely optional and many people won’t secure travel or lodging until they receive a real invitation.
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Traditionally, wedding invitations aren’t sent until six to eight weeks before the big day, but three months is ideal if traveling is a big consideration.
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Question: How do I make sure people RSVP?
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Answer: Unfortunately, not everyone follows invitation protocol and RSVPs on time. It’s frustrating for any event, especially for a wedding, but there are some things you can do to ensure your guests get back to you. Clearly write how to RSVP and by what date. You can include a pre-addressed and stamped card, and offer the option to text, email, or call. If you’re using snail mail, keep in mind guests may follow the rule of having the card post-marked by the RSVP deadline, so make the date two weeks before you need the final head count. Finally, if you have a lot of stragglers, send a courteous email a few days before the RSVP deadline to remind them
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